Abstract: A process for producing isotropic and mesophase pitch with reduced solids contamination from aromatic liquids contaminated with solids, such as catalyst fines or semi-coke. Contaminated feed is charged through one or more pitch forming reactors which discharge a pitch rich liquid and a vapor phase with reduced solids contamination. The vapor phase is cooled, condensed and may be charged continuously to another pitch forming reactor in parallel or used intermittently as a total or partial replacement for solids contaminated feed.

Abstract: A process for making mesophase and/or isotropic pitch. An aromatic rich liquid is charged at high temperature and pressure to a first thermal polymerization reactor to produce an effluent stream which is flashed to remove unconverted or partially converted feed as a vapor yielding a liquid phase enriched in isotropic pitch. The enriched isotropic pitch liquid is charged to a second thermal reactor and reactor effluent flashed to produce mesophase pitch and a vapor phase. The vapor phases from both flashing steps are condensed and combined for recycle of a liquid aromatic rich stream to the first reactor. Flashing from the first reactor cools the liquid phase which is enriched in isotropic pitch. This enriched stream is mixed with a superheated fluid, preferably steam, upstream of the second reactor.

Abstract: Producing mesophase pitch from liquid hydrocarbon feed comprising multi-ring aromatic compounds. In a first stage reactor feed is converted to isotropic pitch product contaminated with mesophase pitch. Contaminated isotropic pitch is charged to a second stage reactor where mesophase formation by self-assembly into spherical crystal clusters produces a mesophase pitch product. Water or steam added to the first stage reactor increases conversion of aromatic liquid feed, increases mesophase contamination of isotropic pitch product and reduces coke formation in the isotropic pitch reactor.

Abstract: A process for making mesophase and/or isotropic pitch. An aromatic rich liquid is charged at high temperature and pressure to a first thermal polymerization reactor to produce an isotropic pitch rich liquid which is flashed. Residual liquid is charged to a second thermal reactor to produce mesophase pitch. The reactors can be either tubular reactors or CSTRs.

Abstract: A method for producing pitch can include: hydroprocessing a challenged feed from a refinery operation to produce a hydroprocessed product; distilling the hydroprocessed product to yield one or more upgraded fractions and a resid fraction; and solvent deasphalting the resid fraction to yield a deasphalted oil stream and a hydroprocessed pitch stream. The resultant pitch can have a micro carbon residue (MCR) of 50 wt % or greater, a solubility in toluene of 95 wt % or greater, and a softening point of 200° C. or less. The pitch can optionally be fluxed with a fluxing solvent.

Abstract: An economical package including an inner sliding piece assembled inside of one or more outer sleeves, where the inner sliding piece may contain a gift card, loyalty card, product, or promotional messages, and the card, product or messages can be revealed by pulling the inner sliding piece at least partially out of the outer sleeve. The package assembly can provide differentiation, protection, consumer information, and an ability to reuse the package for presentation of the card or information.

Abstract: An economical package comprising an inner sliding piece assembled inside of one or more outer sleeves, where the inner sliding piece may contain a gift card, loyalty card, product, or promotional messages, and the card, product or messages can be revealed by pulling the inner sliding piece at least partially out of the outer sleeve. The package assembly can provide differentiation, protection, consumer information, and an ability to reuse the package for presentation of the card or information.

Abstract: An economical package including an inner sliding piece assembled inside of one or more outer sleeves, where the inner sliding piece may contain a gift card, loyalty card, product, or promotional messages, and the card, product or messages can be revealed by pulling the inner sliding piece at least partially out of the outer sleeve. The package assembly can provide differentiation, protection, consumer information, and an ability to reuse the package for presentation of the card or information.

Abstract: An economical package comprising an inner sliding piece assembled inside of one or more outer sleeves, where the inner sliding piece may contain a gift card, loyalty card, product, or promotional messages, and the card, product or messages can be revealed by pulling the inner sliding piece at least partially out of the outer sleeve. The package assembly can provide differentiation, protection, consumer information, and an ability to reuse the package for presentation of the card or information.

Abstract: A binder pitch material includes a petroleum pitch and asphalt fraction obtained from petroleum crude oil and has a significantly lower polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition than a coal tar pitch having a like softening point. The pitch material is useful as a binder material for various applications such as clay pigeons.

Abstract: A binder pitch material includes a petroleum pitch and asphalt fraction obtained from petroleum crude oil and has a significantly lower polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition than a coal tar pitch having a like softening point. The pitch material is useful as a binder material for various applications such as clay pigeons.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for preventing engagement of stacked embossed cards is disclosed. The methods include the steps of embossing a sheet of cards in at least two unique embossment patterns, separating the cards from the sheet, and collating the cards using at least one conveyor such that no two adjacent cards have substantially the same embossment pattern. The apparatus includes an embossing press, a first conveyor, a stripping station, and a second conveyor.

Abstract: A low viscosity, high coking value petroleum tar material having a high coking value as compared to standard petroleum tars and containing at least one biodiesel material dissolved therein, and a method for producing such material, are disclosed.

Abstract: A low-viscosity, high-softening point heavy hydrocarbon material having a viscosity-reducing amount of at least one biodiesel material dissolved in a heavy hydrocarbon, and a method for producing such low-viscosity, high-softening point heavy hydrocarbon material are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fryer vat includes the step of welding together side portions and a main portion of a fryer vat, in which the step of welding includes the step of forming a plurality of vertical vat welds. Further, the step of forming includes the steps of applying a torch over a filler material for a period of time sufficient to melt the filler material, and deactivating the torch in order to allow the melted filler material to cool to a temperature sufficient to form a solid material. The method also includes the step of reapplying the torch over the vertical vat welds for a period of time sufficient to remelt only a portion of the vertical vat welds.

Abstract: A sealer base comprising at least one anti-wear agent comprising aliphatic carboxylic acids and aliphatic polyamides is disclosed.

Abstract: A binder pitch material includes a petroleum pitch and asphalt fraction obtained from petroleum crude oil and has a significantly lower polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition than a coal tar pitch having a like softening point. The pitch material is useful as a binder material for various applications such as clay pigeons.

Abstract: A low viscosity, high coking value petroleum tar material having a high coking value as compared to standard petroleum tars and containing at least one biodiesel material dissolved therein, and a method for producing such material, are disclosed.

Abstract: Fractions derived from a high sulfur content crude oil, having a sulfur content of about 2 wt. % or greater, is hydrotreated to produce a petroleum pitch not only having a low sulfur content of about 1 wt % or less but also a low polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content of about 13,000 mg/kg or less.

Abstract: A low-viscosity, high-softening point heavy hydrocarbon material having a viscosity-reducing amount of at least one biodiesel material dissolved in a heavy hydrocarbon, and a method for producing such low-viscosity, high-softening point heavy hydrocarbon material are disclosed.